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How We Scout The Offensive Guard And Center Positions | NFL Draft | Football Scouting and Analytics

Scouting the offensive guard position in the NFL requires evaluating a player's strength, agility, and blocking ability.


Below is a list of critical components we use to grade the OG position during the NFL Draft process. Every OG receives a grade on a scale of 1-10 for each of the below components during the scouting process. Once each player component is graded, we attach a final grade to indicate where the player stands before entering the NFL Draft, and then we attach a ceiling grade based on future potential.



Here are some key factors to consider when scouting an offensive guard:


Size and Strength: An offensive guard needs to have size and strength to hold their ground against defensive linemen. This includes their ability to generate power at the point of attack, maintain leverage, and finish blocks.


Run Blocking: An offensive guard needs to be able to execute a variety of run-blocking techniques, including drive blocking, zone blocking, and pulling. This includes their ability to identify their blocking assignments, maintain proper pad level, and create running lanes for the ball carrier.


Pass Protection: An offensive guard needs to be able to pass protect effectively. This includes their ability to anchor against bull rushes, slide their feet to maintain balance, and pass off stunts and twists.


Agility and Footwork: An offensive guard must have good agility and footwork to be effective in running and passing. This includes their ability to move laterally, pull and lead in the running game, and set their feet to engage defenders.


Football IQ: An offensive guard's football intelligence is important in order to make quick decisions and adjustments on the field. This includes their ability to recognize defensive fronts, communicate with their teammates, and execute their blocking assignments.


Durability: An offensive guard's durability is important, as they will be taking a lot of hits on the field. This includes their ability to stay healthy and recover quickly from injuries.


When scouting an offensive guard, it's essential to evaluate all of these factors and the player's overall performance on the field. It's also important to consider the team's specific needs and whether the offensive guard's skills and attributes match the team's offensive system and style of play. Additionally, it's important to consider the offensive guard's penalties and mental mistakes, as these can be a liability for the offense.


Scouting the center position in the NFL requires evaluating a player's intelligence, technique, and versatility.


Below is a list of critical components we use to grade the OC position during the NFL Draft process. Every OC receives a grade on a scale of 1-9 for each of the below components during the scouting process. Once each player component is graded, we attach a final grade to indicate where the player stands before entering the NFL Draft, and then we attach a ceiling grade based on future potential.


Here are some key factors to consider when scouting a center:

Intelligence: A center needs to read and recognize defensive fronts, communicate blocking assignments to teammates, and make quick decisions under pressure. This includes their ability to process information quickly, adapt to changing situations, and understand their team's offensive scheme.


Technique: A center must have good technique to execute their blocking assignments effectively. This includes their ability to snap the ball accurately, maintain a proper stance and pad level, and use their hands and feet effectively to engage defenders.


Strength and Power: A center needs good strength and power to anchor against powerful defensive linemen. This includes their ability to generate power with their lower body, maintain leverage, and finish blocks.


Versatility: A center needs to be versatile enough to play in different offensive systems and schemes. This includes their ability to execute different blocking techniques, adjust to different quarterback cadences, and work effectively with different offensive linemen.


Football IQ: A center's football intelligence is important in order to make quick decisions and adjustments on the field. This includes recognizing defensive fronts, communicating with their teammates, and adjusting their blocking assignments as necessary.


Durability: A center's durability is important, as they will be taking a lot of hits on the field. This includes their ability to stay healthy and recover quickly from injuries.


When scouting a center, it's important to evaluate all of these factors and the player's overall performance on the field. It's also important to consider the team's specific needs and whether the center's skills and attributes match the team's offensive system and style of play. Additionally, it's essential to consider the center's penalties and mental mistakes, as these can be a liability for the offense.

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